Did you know that our alumni can be found performing with Sofar Sounds, and on soundtracks for Emmy-nominated TV series? We sat down with TPMS alumna Vivian Garcia, who discusses how her education through The People’s Music School helped her take her musical career to amazing heights!
TPMS: How long were you a student at The People’s Music School?
Vivian: 2 years
TPMS: What instruments did you play?
Vivian: I studied cello and voice.
TPMS: How did your time at The People’s Music School impact you?
Vivian: As a young woman growing up in Uptown, TPMS provided an opportunity to not only enrich my life with free music lessons, but provide access to a community of caring adults and like minded young people. I truly looked forward to my Saturday morning music group music theory lessons because I was able to learn new things but also meet up with friends from all walks of life that I would have not met otherwise. My experience at TPMS sparked a life long interest in music.
TPMS: What are you doing now?
Vivian: Since 1999 I have been working as a gigging musician – first as a vocalist and in the last 13 years as singer-songwriter accompanying myself on guitar. I perform covers in Spanish but also write and perform original music in both English and Spanish. I produced and released my first album Cold Bed in 2012 while living in Madrid, Spain pursuing an M.A. in Spanish literature. In 2016 I released an EP and my bilingual track “Ven Conmigo” was featured on the HULU daytime Emmy nominated show East Los High.
TPMS: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Vivian: I hope to continue performing live in Chicago and in other cities in the U.S. as well as internationally. It would be great to publish more music and collaborate with respected artists I have met over the years.
TPMS: What is a fun memory you have from The People’s Music School?
Vivian: I used to love the monthly bake sales! Always so much yummy food from around the world made by the diverse families and students that made up the TPMS community.
TPMS: Anything else you’d like to share?
Vivian: I am proud to be a TPMS alum. I feel so strongly about the services this school provides for young people in Chicago!